PERHAPS IT’S OUR
instincts, which nudge
us to store up sustenance for the winter
months, or the holidays, a time for indulgences. Whatever the
reason, this time of
year calls for a familiar
cuisine: comfort food.

And who’s more
qualified to offer comfort-food advice and
recipes than Sandra Lee? This Costco member,
Food Network star and author of 22 cookbooks has come out with a new work, Sandra
Lee Semi-Homemade Comfort Food, just in
time for holiday parties and gifts. The
Connection recently met with Lee to talk about
her latest book and more over breakfast at a
Lower Manhattan restaurant.

The Costco Connection:First, tell us about
the concept behind Comfort Food.

Sandra Lee: I think all cooking these daysis comfort food, because being at home in yourkitchen and with your family is comforting foreveryone. The book is a collection of recipesthat are easy, with new spins—hearty, stick-to-your-bones food that everybody loves. That’severything from grilled cheese sandwiches to abeautiful bacon-wrapped meatloaf.

CC:The timing sounds just right for the
holidays.

SL: People need fast, easy meals to fix
around the holidays so they can get their shop-

By Tim Talevich

Sandra Lee

In a small mixing bowl, stir together softened cream cheese, strawberry preserves
and orange zest until smooth. Set aside.

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs,
half-and-half, Grand Marnier and vanilla
extract. Pour into a shallow bowl or pie
plate. Set aside.

With a paring knife, slice a pocket into
the side of each bread slice (do not cut all
of the way through the bread). Fill bread
slices with a heaping spoonful of cream
cheese mixture.

In a skillet, melt some butter over medium
heat. Dip filled bread in egg mixture and
brown for 1 to 2 minutes per side in hot
butter. Serve hot with strawberry syrup,
sliced fresh strawberries and powdered
sugar (optional). Makes 4 servings.

ping, decorating and planning done for the big
family feast. So this is not only a helpful
resource, but a good gift idea.

CC:Any tips for surviving the holidays in
the kitchen?

SL: Prepare in advance and freeze. Be
organized: Know what your menu is. And
don’t be afraid to delegate. If your sister is
coming to dinner, ask her to do the peas
and carrots, or the pie and cake. Then
everybody helps clean up.

CC:Your favorite holiday traditions?

SL: The kids get to choose three gifts:
one for the mind, one for the heart and
one for the body. Also, the kids gather up
toys and clothes they’re not using anymore and donate them to a charity. C

Costco features Sandra
Lee Semi-Homemade
Comfort Food online at
Costco.com. You’ll also
find many of the ingredients for these Sandra Lee
comfort-food recipes, and
other fine foods, in your
local Costco warehouse.